Master drummer and kora Player, Fode Sissoko, invites you on a visit to his native land of Senegal, West Africa to experience tradition and cultural exchange. Stay as short as a week or as long as two months and immerse yourself in the wonder of Senegal, dancing, drumming, singing, staying at a traditional compound, eating Senegalese foods and learning the language with international friends. It's the trip of a lifetime!

Study dance & drum in Senegal, West Africa

We have drum & dance classes 5 days per week. There's lots of leisure time to walk on the beach, swim, study the kora , the balafone, or to study one of the tribal languages. Delicious Senegalese food is prepared daily by Fode's family. Traditional fare is based on rice with fish, vegetables, chicken, some meat and a variety of sauces. The accommodations are simple and comfortable.

We are a short drive to the ferry which leads to the historic island of Goree. Visit the slave museum where the slaves were shipped to the Americas, or go to the African market in the capitol of Dakar to shop for fine gifts. 

Our trip is a total immersion experience into African culture. Our visitors are not tourists, but are treated as guests of a renowned musician family. Guests return from this trip with lifetime friends, a realistic picture of African life and receive invaluable artistic and cultural insights. Not only is our trip educational, it's also a lot of fun! We hope you will consider joining us.

The Cissokho family are griots and renowned masters of kora, drum, dance and song for generations. Griots are recognized throughout Africa as keepers of the history of their people, through music and the oral traditions. Historically, musicians and griots are transmitters of wisdom. They are highly skilled performers, teachers and are craftsmen of the finest instruments made in Africa.

Experience first hand the hospitality of the Cissokho family. Stay a week, stay a month. We welcome you to paradise!

OPTION 2: If our set dates do not coincide with your schedule, we offer individualized trips that may be arranged according to your wishes. For example, we often send students to Senegal, where they are picked up at the Dakar airport and escorted to the family compound in Thiaroye, where they reside with Fode's parents and the Cissokos enjoying dance, drum and other experiences in the Mandinko family house.

Our price includes lodging (single and double rooms), 2 meals per day, transportation to and from the airport and all classes.

Participants are responsible for their own airfare.

For current prices, please email us at info@fakolidanceanddrum.com

A deposit is due at registration (refundable with 30 days notice minus 10% booking fee).

The balance is due one month prior to departure.

You will need a valid passport. No visa is required. Please call the Center for Disease Control for all vaccination requirements, if any. Participants need to obtain bottled water, visa (if staying more than 30 days) and spending money for shopping. Soda, juice and bottled water can be purchased. Drums can be rented or purchased.

Upon completion of registration with a deposit, a more complete list of suggested travel items will be sent.

For any questions or to receive a registration form by e-mail contact:

Toby Stover